MLS Draft Interview: Ian Smith, Portland Timbers

With the No. 14 pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, the Portland Timbers selected Ian Smith, a defender out of the University of Denver.

Smith captained the Pioneers to the College Cup in 2024 during a blazing 15-3-5 campaign. He was named to the Summit League First Team for a second consecutive season and ranked No. 7 in the country with his 10 assists. He played and started 21 games over the course of the elongated season.

The fullback became the third-highest draftee out of Denver, with Andre Shinyashiki and Reagan Dunk being the two higher. Smith is the 14th Pioneer to have his named called. Some of the other notable names are Joe Willis and Preston Judd.

"It is a huge accomplishment for me just because of all the great talents that have been at DU," Smith said. "It means everything to me because I’ve tried to represent DU as best as I can and to be third-highest is a big accomplishment for me."

Denver was ranked as the No. 3 overall seed entering the national tournament. The Pioneers shutout Gardner-Webb, No. 14 Indiana and UMass by a combined 7-0 scoreline to advance to the College Cup. In Cary, N.C., Denver conceded a late goal against Vermont to send the game to spot kicks. The journey fell just short in that shootout, to the eventual champions.

"The biggest lesson I learned from making it to the College Cup was it doesn’t matter how you win games, you just have to get the job done," Smith said. "We fell short but I was proud of the team. To give up one shot on goal and lose is tough. But overall, it’s team culture that wins games."

The Littleton, Colo., native went to school just 15 minutes away from his hometown. He played for Real Colorado and attended Highlands Ranch High School, Smith is Colorado through and through. Now, he will make the trek further west to Portland.

Smith is a player that likes to get forward and help his team in the attack. In 2024, his 10 assists placed him in third all-time in school history for helpers in a season. He showcased his attacking ability all over the NCAA Tournament. He attacked the endline and sent a cross just begging to be put home on the winner against the Hoosiers and set up the sealer in the quarterfinals with a first-time cross on the left foot.

"I think my biggest skillset is I’m a great two way player," Smith said. "I can attack as well as defend. Not only that but I think I have a great range of passing and service to help put the team in better positions."